
david schwimmer age
David Schwimmer is a name that instantly reminds people of Ross Geller from the legendary TV show Friends. But there’s much more to him than just that iconic role. In this article, we’ll dive deep into David Schwimmer’s age, biography, career, net worth, hobbies, and some fun facts that even hardcore fans may not know.
Wiki Bio
Field | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | David Lawrence Schwimmer |
Known As | David Schwimmer |
Date of Birth | November 2, 1966 |
Age (as of 2025) | 58 years old |
Birthplace | Flushing, Queens, New York City, USA |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Voice Artist |
Years Active | 1989 – present |
Famous Role | Ross Geller in Friends |
Education | Northwestern University (BA in Theater & Speech) |
Marital Status | Divorced (Zoe Buckman) |
Children | 1 (Daughter – Cleo Buckman Schwimmer) |
Net Worth (2025) | $130 million |
Hobbies | Theater, Photography, Directing, Activism |
Notable Voice Role | Melman in Madagascar series |
Table of Contents
David Schwimmer Age
How Old Is David Schwimmer?
As of 2025, David Schwimmer is 58 years old. He was born on November 2, 1966.
Birthplace and Zodiac Sign
David Schwimmer was born in Flushing, Queens, New York City, USA. His zodiac sign is Scorpio, which is known for qualities like determination, passion, and loyalty — all traits that seem to fit him well.
David Schwimmer Biography

Early Life and Family
David Lawrence Schwimmer was born to Arthur Schwimmer, a lawyer, and Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer, a divorce attorney. He has an older sister named Ellie Schwimmer.
Although born in New York, his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just two years old. This move to LA played a crucial role in shaping his interest in acting.
Education
David went to Beverly Hills High School, a school known for producing Hollywood talent. After high school, he enrolled at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Speech in 1988.
At Northwestern, he co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre Company, which became one of the most respected theater groups in Chicago.
David Schwimmer Career
Early Struggles and Breakthrough
After graduating, David moved back to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. Like many actors, he faced a series of rejections and took on small roles in TV shows and movies.
His big break came in 1994, when he was cast as Ross Geller on the sitcom Friends.
Friends: The Game-Changer
Friends ran from 1994 to 2004 and turned David into a global star. His portrayal of Ross Geller — the awkward yet lovable paleontologist — won the hearts of millions. He appeared in all 236 episodes and even directed a few.
He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1995 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Life After Friends
Unlike some of his co-stars, David didn’t jump into mainstream Hollywood films after Friends. Instead, he chose a mix of acting, directing, and voice work.
Notable Projects After Friends:
- Voice of Melman the Giraffe in Madagascar series
- Band of Brothers (2001) – HBO miniseries
- Run Fatboy Run (2007) – Directed the film
- American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016) – Played Robert Kardashian
His performance as Robert Kardashian was critically acclaimed and earned him another Emmy nomination.
David Schwimmer Net Worth

What Is David Schwimmer’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, David Schwimmer’s net worth is estimated to be $130 million.
Sources of Income
- Friends salary and royalties
- Movie roles and voice acting
- Directing and producing
- Theater and live performances
- Brand endorsements and appearances
During the later seasons of Friends, Schwimmer and his co-stars earned $1 million per episode. They also continue to earn millions every year through syndication deals and streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max.
Personal Life of David Schwimmer
Marriage and Family
David Schwimmer was married to Zoe Buckman, a British artist and photographer. The couple got married in 2010 and had a daughter named Cleo Buckman Schwimmer in 2011. However, they separated in 2017 and later divorced.
Despite the split, both remain devoted co-parents to their daughter.
Is David Schwimmer Dating Anyone?
As of 2025, David has kept his personal life fairly private. While rumors have swirled over the years — including one that he dated co-star Jennifer Aniston — nothing has been confirmed.
David Schwimmer’s Hobbies
Theater and Stage Acting
David has a deep love for theater. Even after becoming a TV star, he never left his theater roots. He is still heavily involved with the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago.
Photography
Like his ex-wife Zoe Buckman, David enjoys photography. He often captures candid moments and has even shared a few on social media and in interviews.
Activism and Charity Work
David is a vocal advocate against sexual harassment and has worked with organizations that support victims of abuse. He has also participated in campaigns promoting gender equality and racial justice.
Directing
Directing is more than just a career move — it’s a hobby and passion for Schwimmer. He enjoys being behind the camera and shaping stories from a different perspective.
Fun Facts About David Schwimmer
He Didn’t Want the Role of Ross at First
David originally turned down the role of Ross Geller but was later convinced to take it. Ironically, the show’s creators wrote the character with him in mind.
He’s a Real-Life Paleontology Fan
To better understand his role as Ross, David visited museums and studied paleontology — and he actually found it fascinating!
He’s a Voice in Madagascar
Many people don’t realize that David is the voice behind Melman the Giraffe in the Madagascar movies.
He’s Directed TV Shows and Films
Schwimmer has directed episodes of Friends, Joey, and Little Britain USA, as well as full-length films.
He Rejected Fame
Unlike many actors, David actively avoided the limelight. After Friends, he returned to the theater instead of chasing more Hollywood roles.
David Schwimmer’s Influence and Legacy

A Cultural Icon
Ross Geller is one of the most iconic characters in TV history, and Schwimmer’s performance is a big reason why. His comedic timing, awkward charm, and chemistry with the rest of the cast made Friends timeless.
Supporting New Talent
As a co-founder of the Lookingglass Theatre Company, David continues to support young and upcoming talent in the world of theater.
Advocate for Important Causes
Schwimmer has used his platform to speak out against sexual harassment, support gender equality, and promote mental health awareness.
Social Media Presence
David Schwimmer is not extremely active on social media, but he does maintain an official presence.
- Instagram: Occasionally posts about social issues, theater work, and throwbacks from Friends.
- Twitter: Mainly used for advocacy and promoting important causes.
- No TikTok or Facebook (as of 2025).
Awards and Recognition
Major Awards
- Emmy Award Nominee – Friends and American Crime Story
- Screen Actors Guild Awards – Multiple nominations and wins as part of the Friends cast
- Voice Awards – For his work in Madagascar
Honors
- Lookingglass Theatre Company was honored with a Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre in 2011.
- Frequently ranked in lists of top TV actors of all time.
Future Projects
David Schwimmer continues to act and direct. He has expressed interest in returning to the stage and may even be planning to write his own play or direct a full-length feature film in the coming years.
There are also rumors of him appearing in a new Netflix series, although details are still under wraps as of now.
Conclusion
David Schwimmer may always be remembered as Ross Geller from Friends, but his life and career go far beyond that. At 58 years old, he is still active in the world of acting, directing, and social advocacy. With a net worth of $130 million, a passion for storytelling, and a heart for important causes, Schwimmer continues to influence both Hollywood and the world beyond it.